Lewis Chessmen Redisplayed in New Case Allowing Visitors to See Their Backs

The iconic Lewis chessmen, known for their distinctive expressions and intricate carving, have been redisplayed at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, allowing visitors to see their backs for the first time.

The pieces, believed to have been made in Norway around 1200, were part of a large hoard discovered in Lewis in the early 19th century. Eleven of the pieces are in the National Museums Scotland collection, while the remaining 82 are in the British Museum’s collection, with six on loan to Museum nan Eilean in Lewis.

Made from walrus ivory and sperm whale teeth, the chess pieces are well-known for their detailed carving and unique expressions. Curators say that while the fronts of the pieces are often admired, the backs are just as interesting and intricately detailed.

Ten of the pieces from the NMS collection have been redisplayed with new lighting, layout, and interpretation. Senior curator Alice Blackwell said, “The carver has really gone to town on the throne backs in particular, with entwined tendrils and knotwork that are really sumptuous compared to the simpler fronts.”

The hoard discovered on Lewis contained 93 gaming pieces in total, from at least four chess sets as well as other games. At the time the pieces were made, Lewis was part of the Norse-Gaelic Kingdom of the Isles, with a strong Scandinavian influence in the region.

It is not known who buried the pieces or why, but they may have belonged to a merchant traveling from Scandinavia to sell playing sets, or to a local prince, bishop, or leader. The pieces are now positioned more prominently at the museum in Edinburgh, at the entrance to the Kingdom of the Scots gallery, and are visible from the adjacent Hawthornden Court.